State Flood-Plain Management Activities

Abstract

Although billions of dollars have been spent for the control of floods, it has been amply demonstrated that, on a nationwide basis, the effort to reduce flood damages is being lost. The flood control program's inability to maintain its early advantage is primarily attributable to rapidly increasing development on flood plain lands. The Tennessee Valley Authority pioneered the comprehensive flood damage prevention concept, portions of which have served as models for later endeavors by various states. Activities by 10 selected states in flood plain identification and management are cited as examples of the concept's past and continuing evolution. Most active state efforts are oriented toward providing adequate identification of flood plains and assisting local entities in implementing appropriate management of designated flood hazard areas. Technical, administrative, and legal problems are noted, as well as similarities to other social and economic needs of society.